Product classification
HS code for Drill press: 8459.29
Machine-tools, for drilling by removing metal, other than numerically controlled.
Classification of drill press under HS 8459.29
The classification of a drill press under HS code 8459.29 is determined by its primary function as a stationary machine tool designed for drilling by removing metal. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8459 covers machine-tools for drilling, boring, milling, threading, or tapping by removing metal. Subheading 8459.29 is a residual category for drilling machines that are not numerically controlled (NC). Unlike NC machines, which operate via pre-programmed software and automated sequences, these machines are typically operated manually or through mechanical controls. The classification excludes tools for working in the hand (Chapter 8467) and machines that do not remove metal, such as those designed for wood or plastic (Chapter 8465). Furthermore, Section XVI Note 3 states that composite machines consisting of two or more machines fitted together to form a whole are to be classified as being that machine which performs the principal function. For a drill press, the principal function is drilling. The machine must be of a type that is typically mounted on a pedestal, a bench, or the floor. It consists of a base, a column, a table, and a drill head, which is driven by an electric motor. The feed mechanism is usually a rack and pinion moved by a rotating lever. Because it is not numerically controlled, it lacks the electronic control units and servo motors associated with CNC machinery. This distinction is vital for accurate trade statistics and the application of trade remedies, such as anti-dumping duties, which often target specific types of machine tools based on their control systems.
- Covers
- Bench-top drill presses
- Floor-standing pillar drills
- Radial arm drilling machines (non-NC)
- Gang drilling machines (manual)
- Sensitive drill presses for precision work
- Also under 8459.29
- Delta drill press
- Jet JDP series
- Wilton drill press
- Clausing drill press
- Fobco drill press
Codes often confused with 8459.29
Common mistake. Drill presses are frequently confused with HS code 8459.21, which is reserved for numerically controlled (NC or CNC) drilling machines. The presence of a computer interface or automated programming shifts the product to 8459.21. Additionally, they are often misclassified under 8467.21, which covers hand-held electric drills. The key distinction is that 8459.29 requires the machine to be stationary or designed to be fixed to a stand.
Top exporters and importers of HS 845929 (the code used for drill press), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845929 (the code used for drill press) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 845929, not only drill press.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $131M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $24M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $338M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $39M 11% of world imports
- 2 India $27M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $25M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for drill press
Brazil classifies drill press under NCM 8459.29.00: HS 8459.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about drill press
What is the HS code for Drill press?
The HS code for Drill press is 845929 (Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, other than numerically controlled). The HS code for a standard, non-numerically controlled drill press used for metalworking is 8459.29.
How do I classify Drill press for customs?
Drill press is classified under HS code 845929 — Machine-tools; for drilling by removing metal, other than numerically controlled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a wood-drilling press use this code?
No, machines specifically designed for working wood, cork, or hard plastics are classified under heading 8465.
Which countries are the top exporters of drill press (HS 845929)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845929 (the code used for drill press) in UN Comtrade data were China ($131M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and Malaysia ($24M). World exports came to about $338M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of drill press (HS 845929)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 845929 (the code used for drill press) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($39M, 11% of world imports), India ($27M) and Thailand ($25M). World imports came to about $368M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Drill press the same in all countries?
The base HS code 845929 for Drill press is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for drill press in Brazil?
In Brazil, drill press (HS 845929) is classified under NCM 8459.29.00.